Lambard's Salt House — Restaurant in Tendring

Our first visit to Lambard's and it will not be the last. Nick proved an excellent and entertaining host such was his knowledge of the restaurant's historical background and the dishes served.

The tasting menu captures the seaside location, with oysters, bass, and salt cod, with adventurous use of seasonal produce such as wild garlic, dandelion leaves and nasturtium seed pods.

The restaurant was all but full on the Saturday night we visited, the warmly-lit room providing a gentle happy buzz. Timings between courses were on the whole about right, with the occasional ebb and flow as the kitchen flexed. Ordinarily it is hard to get excited about a lamb chop but the Lambard's offering was exceptional - pick up and gnaw exceptional.

The wine list encompassed a wide and varied scope, including several interesting examples by the glass such as a lush syrah/garnacha blend from Spain; all of which were presented at very reasonable prices.

The glassware for wine was probably the only element that I felt could be improved. Any thick crystal champagne flutes I may have are buried deep at the back of the cupboard. Furthermore, the 'utilitarian' stemless glass for still wine was a little too austere, leaning more towards function than form for my taste. I suppose the only other minor gripe related to the brandade which I was a little perplexed with. The grilled cheese on top was wonderful but the brandade below morphed from warm to less warm. Possibly a change of serving dish would help. Minor quibbles overall considering this restaurant opened only a few months ago.

Overall, it was a pleasant and relaxing evening - the warm greeting on arrival, the infectious enthusiasm of the team, the tastefully muted and well-lit decor, and the innovative use of fresh local produce. Joie de vivre was to the fore, and I wish...

Superb dining experience as usual! August tasting menu was very exciting and adventurous! The accompanying wine flight was equally perfect. Nick and the team are so committed to providing the diner with perfection; nothing is left to chance. Cooking techniques are varied and the foraged ingredients are always surprising! The room is beautiful and the entrance through the garden and courtyard is charming. We love Lambard’s and try to sample every monthly menu. September’s is looking mouthwatering. Nick is always searching for perfect ingredients and different combinations and cooking styles to present the diner with a brand new eating experience. BUT don’t worry about the food being too way out to be too exotic! Nick gets it right for his diners! We know we’re in for a really good set of dishes every time. My husband actually ate his olives last Friday!!!! Unheard of, and said they were right for the dish! Nick is a brilliant host, as is Kay. Thank you to Nick for his vision and ability to create such exciting food with such enthusiasm and dedication. If you haven’t been here, you’re seriously missing out on a really great experience. Do try it for yourselves, you’ll be sorry the have missed out for too long! We’re very particular about our dining experience, so don’t submit reviews lightly. See you all in September! Thank you for our lovely time...

We discovered Lambards Salt House about 18 months ago and since then have attended most months to enjoy their fantastic themed menus. For us it is a special place for date nights and sharing with friends who we know appreciate good food. The ambience is cosy, welcoming and relaxed in a room seeped in local history.

Nick is a geat host and he, and his equally great front of house Kaye, take the time and care to introduce and explain the sourcing and cooking of each dish, and the accompanying wine. This can be very educational at times.

The food is of wonderful quality and mostly consists of dishes that you would not find anywhere else. Much is locally sourced, or foraged, and has the ethos is of 'nose to tail' which we love.

The no choice menu is a wonderful idea as it encourages us to try and taste dishes that we would perhaps never otherwise try. The same applies to the wine flight, which is carefully matched to each course and has seen us taste some beautiful wines that I would never have considered ordering.

I normally hesitate to recommend restaurants as we all have very differing tastes, but I would urge people to give Lambards a try, as we love it, wish it every success and hope to enjoy going there for years to come.

Thanks for having...